Dizziness & Vertigo

Helping You Regain Balance & Confidence in Daily Activities

Dizziness and vertigo can make everyday activities feel unpredictable, whether it is difficulty standing, walking, or simply turning your head. These symptoms may come on suddenly or occur in episodes, and they are often related to the inner ear and balance system.

At Mile High ENT, we evaluate the underlying cause of dizziness or vertigo and how it is affecting your balance and daily life. Care is focused on identifying the source of symptoms and guiding treatment that helps restore stability and confidence in your movements.

Complete our online form or call us at 303-487-0834 to schedule a consultation today.

What Is Dizziness & Vertigo?

Dizziness is a general term for sensations such as lightheadedness, imbalance, or unsteadiness. Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness that creates the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning, often related to inner ear conditions. It may last for seconds or persist longer and is sometimes triggered by head movements.

At Mile High ENT, we evaluate the underlying cause of your symptoms and provide targeted care to help restore balance and reduce episodes.

How the Inner Ear Affects Balance

Balance depends on coordination between three systems:

Inner ear (vestibular system), which helps maintain balance and spatial orientation

Eyes (visual input), which help track movement and maintain focus

Body (sensory feedback), which provides information about posture and position

The vestibular system within the inner ear is filled with fluid and lined with tiny hair cells that detect head movement and position. When you move your head, fluid within the semicircular canals shifts, stimulating these hair cells and sending signals to the brain about the direction and speed of movement.

The brain integrates this information with input from the eyes and sensory feedback from muscles and joints to maintain balance and coordination.

If the inner ear is affected by inflammation, infection, or disruption of the vestibular system, these signals can become inaccurate or mismatched, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, or a sense of imbalance.

Our Approach to Managing Dizziness & Vertigo

At Mile High ENT, we understand how dizziness and vertigo can affect your ability to move, focus, and feel steady throughout the day. Our provider, Dr. Sarmad Sabour, focuses on identifying the underlying cause of your symptoms and guiding care that helps restore balance and reduce recurrence.

Our approach includes:

Same-week appointments for prompt evaluation

A detailed discussion of symptoms, including triggers, timing, and severity

In-office assessment of balance and inner ear function

Physician-led care with personalized treatment based on the underlying cause

A focus on improving stability, reducing episodes, and supporting a return to normal daily activities

What Causes Dizziness & Vertigo

Dizziness and vertigo can result from a range of underlying conditions, including impacted earwax, inner ear issues, neurological conditions, injuries, or other systemic disorders.

Common inner ear disorders that are connected to vertigo and dizziness include:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Occurs when small calcium particles in the inner ear become displaced, disrupting normal fluid movement and causing brief episodes of dizziness, often triggered by head position changes

Ménière’s Disease

Involves fluid buildup in the inner ear, leading to episodes of vertigo along with hearing changes and tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Vestibular Neuritis

Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often due to a viral infection, causing sudden dizziness and balance disturbances

Labyrinthitis

Inflammation of the inner ear that can result in dizziness, hearing loss, and nausea

In cases where dizziness is due to non-ENT causes, we may recommend further evaluation to identify the underlying cause.

How Long Does Vertigo Last?

The duration of vertigo can vary depending on the underlying cause:

BPPV

Episodes usually last a few seconds to a minute and are often triggered by head movement

Vestibular Neuritis

Symptoms may last several days before gradually improving

Ménière’s Disease

Episodes can last for several hours

Chronic Conditions

Symptoms may persist for weeks or months if not treated

Symptoms Associated with Dizziness & Vertigo

Symptoms associated with vertigo can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity, and may occur suddenly or recur.

Common symptoms include:

Feeling unsteady when walking or standing

Lightheadedness or a sensation of faintness

Difficulty maintaining balance

Nausea or vomiting

Sensitivity to motion

Blurred vision

Difficulty judging distance or depth (spatial disorientation)

Feeling as if you might fall

Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Abnormal eye movements

Feeling of fullness in the ear

These symptoms can affect daily activities and may worsen with movement or changes in position.

Potential Complications of Vertigo

Vertigo can affect more than just balance. When symptoms are frequent or severe, they can begin to interfere with everyday activities and overall well-being.

Potential complications may include:

Falls or injury, especially during sudden episodes of imbalance

Avoidance of daily activities, such as driving, walking, or working, due to fear of triggering symptoms

Increased stress or anxiety, particularly when episodes are unpredictable

Hearing changes, including hearing loss, in conditions such as Ménière’s disease

Over time, these effects can impact independence and quality of life. Identifying and treating the underlying cause can help reduce symptoms and prevent these challenges from becoming ongoing concerns.

Diagnosis of Dizziness & Vertigo

At Mile High ENT, evaluation begins with understanding your symptoms, including when they occur, what triggers them, and how they affect your balance and daily activities. This is followed by a focused physical examination to assess your inner ear and balance function.

Depending on your symptoms, diagnostic testing may include:

Vestibular function testing

Imaging studies (CT or MRI)

Posturography

Blood tests

This comprehensive evaluation helps identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and guides a targeted treatment plan to improve balance and reduce episodes.

Treatment Options We Offer for Dizziness & Vertigo

At Mile High ENT, treatment begins with identifying the underlying cause of your symptoms, including whether they may be related to an inner ear condition, another medical issue, or medications.

Based on your diagnosis, treatment options may include:

Medications to help manage symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or motion sensitivity

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, using targeted exercises to improve balance and reduce dizziness over time

In-office treatments, such as repositioning maneuvers for conditions like BPPV

Supportive measures, including guidance on safety and, when needed, assistive devices to improve stability

In some cases, when symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, surgical options may be considered depending on the underlying condition.

Our team provides comprehensive, physician-led care and will guide you through all appropriate treatment options. The goal is to reduce symptoms, improve balance, and help you return to your normal daily activities with greater confidence.

Find Relief From Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in Denver, CO

If you are experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues, an evaluation can help determine the cause and guide the next steps.

At Mile High ENT, we focus on identifying the source of your symptoms and providing targeted care to help you regain balance and confidence.

To schedule a consultation at Mile High ENT, please call us at 303-487-0834 or fill out our online appointment request form.